� Why is it that people look upon CNAs as those whom life has chosen for the most "menial" of tasks - caring for the needs of those who cannot care for themselves?

� The fact is, that their job - the caring for others - it not menial at all.

� Yes, they perform tasks that many out in the real world wouldn't be able to do without losing lunch.

� But they also do so much more:

Hug, love, comfort, laugh with, write letters for, cry with, cuddle, kiss on the cheek.

Remind the 105 year old woman that she still has a great looking pair of legs - bringing a smile that was to last for days.

Agonize about ill residents when the CNA is off duty, many times calling someone who worked that day, "just checking". And breaking down when the news isn't good.

If you have a relative in a long term care facility and you haven't been to visit in a while - where do you think the scented bath washes, the scented powder, the perfumes and the costume jewelry and hair accessories come from?

For those who are able, and without someone significant in their lives besides staff, the CNAs take them for rides, shopping, out for a simple lunch.

When they're out roaming the second hand shops, often times it's not something for themselves that they buy.

They have the most intimate knowledge of�the residents, and are usually able to know, just at first glance that "something is wrong with this picture'. And the tragedy is that not many licensed nurses give the CNAs credit for their knowledge and instincts.

Usually come to work when sick, because they can't afford the health insurance, can't afford the sick time, and the residents usually have the same thing, so they worry.

Frequently are treated by nurses as if they don't have the brains God gave a duck. When in fact, in most cases, they could run rings around charge nurses and nurse managers with their basic knowledge about those in their care.

Are not usually asked for their opinion regarding room changes, etc., when (except for the residents involved) the CNAs are the ones most affected by these changes.

We put our elders into nursing homes because for whatever reason we can't/won't care for them at home. So why do we think degrading thoughts about those very people who are doing what we couldn't/wouldn't?

They work very hard physically, usually for less money than they would be able to make at the local fast food restaurant. They give their hearts and souls to those they take care of.

Because I spend my working life in that precarious (and unpopular) position of having to monitor glove use, handwashing, linen handling, etc., I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the CNAs where I work (and everywhere else as well) for their dedication, their love of our residents, and their devotion to the profession.

To learn more about CNAs on line, visit Certified Nurse Assistant.